Click here to read more about the National Native Language Revitalization Summit held in Washington D.C. May 11-13, 2009.

Monday, May 11, included a training session on finding tribal language materials in the National Anthropological Archives, and a workshop with the Potlatch Fund on developing grant proposals to sustain grassroots language programs. Tuesday, May 12, was sponsored and hosted by the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI), with a keynote by renowned language immersion school director Darrell Robes Kipp (Blackfeet) of the Piegan Institute, and presentations by numerous leaders in the Native language revitalization movement. On Wednesday, May 13, participants convened on Capitol Hill to educate their Congressional delegations about the critical importance of defending and increasing support for Native language programs through the Esther Martinez Native American Languages Preservation Act.

5:45pm - 6:30pm Learn about Cultural Survival's current programs and history. All are welcome.

6:15pm - 8:00pmCode Talker Recognition Reception in the NMAI Potomac Atrium. This special program featuring code talkers Barney Old Coyote (Crow) and Samuel N. Tso (Navajo) is sponsored by the Comanche Nation.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13

Language Impact Day on Capitol Hill

9am - 5pmBriefing Session Senate Indian Affairs Committee Hearing Room, followed by visits to congressional delegations. Coordinated by the National Alliance to Save Native Languages.

In preparation for these exciting visits, and to learn more about the urgent funding needs facing tribal language immersion schools, click the link below to read the Congressional testimony prepared this January by Cultural Survival Native languages campaign advisor Ryan Wilson, and submitted to the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs on behalf of the National Alliance to Save Native Languages.

The National Alliance to Save Native Languages was founded in October of 2006 for the exclusive purpose of promoting the revitalization of Native American languages. The Alliance is composed of a coalition of stakeholders including tribes, schools, and individuals, regional and national organizations.